In part 1, we had just made introductions and were touring Marsha's amazing studio space.

Next we were led through a breezeway to the main house. The home was built in 1952 and has all the qualities of a California foothills modern. Spacious living areas, lots of glass, great views of the San Fernando Valley. Prepare to drool.

A vintage advertising sign hangs over the corner fireplace. It was acquired from the southeast United States

during one of Marsha's filming projects.

Three smaller bedrooms serve as office, lounge and sitting room.

The vintage linoleum rug was a set prop from the movie "Fabulous Baker Boys".

Pics of Marsha's fabulous master bedroom addition and "hollywood bath" will have to wait for a future feature.

Sorry to wake you Peanut!

Our potluck lunch was served on the veranda. (when you are in California you can call a patio a veranda) Jaime started the buffet. While we lunched we shared our Etsy business tips and concerns. Allie, Delia and I specialize in vintage home decor while Jaime and Marsha tend more to vintage fashion. We shared so much knowledge between bites that I elected myself secretary. Scribbled tidbits of important information about Marsha's house and great local thrifting spots reside on a single 3x5" torn notebook paper somewhere with my trip receipts. Any additions or correction to misinformation in this post would be appreciated!

lovin' the lunch on the veranda

There was no need for an ice-breaker but I came prepared to gift my westie vestie besties so we retired to the studio for a game of chance. I had wrapped up some pieces of vintage jewelry in sweet, origami paper that I had picked up in Little Tokoyo.

The girls threw dice for fun. You can imagine that it got pretty vicious toward the end, when it came down to a mod fringed necklace and a sterling brooch. Appropriately, Marsha came away the big winner!

Before the party broke, we headed to the shade where Jaime was able to figure out my camera's self timer. Almost everyone had a dog in their lap in the last shot. Goodbyes were said, warm future welcomes extended. Thanks to all who made this meet-up possible!Special thanks to Marsha, our host and Delia who contributed some of the photos.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Last Saturday, on the sunny slopes of Tujunga, California was a meet and greet lunch for Vintage Etsy Society (vesties) team sellers. It was hosted by Marsha, proprietress and owner of devil dog ranch. I had anticipated the event for weeks, and it was a true highlight of my 10 day trip to LA. Marsha met me at the door of the property grounds with a hug followed by tall tumbler for a champagne toast! My drink, of course, was in the Minnesota state glass.

Introductions were followed by a tour. Marsha, (aka the ranch queen of ranchqueenvintage) has made a wonderful home that includes a fabulous studio space. We started on the one side where she keeps and photos her vintage wardrobe.

Marsha worked as a costumer and wardrobe stylist for the film industry....I think that yellow cotton frock was worn by an extra in the movie "Driving Miss Daisy". Then we moved to the other studio side, where all of our jaws dropped...

This half of her studio included amazing built in shelves and cabinets to house all forms of
salvaged materials for her other endeavor, making one of a kind collectible art objects. Every
inch of that 30 foot space was a perfect vignette!

It was time for our lunch, so we crossed an airy breezeway that connected the studio to the main house. If you are a fan of original mid century architecture, you will drool over the photos of this 'California foothills modern'...but that is for part 2! I'll leave you with a teaser for the introductions to the rest of our party.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Sweet vacation.
Early this past Friday, Richard and I flew in to LAX (anyone know what the X stands for?)
We were greeted by my new friend, Jessica. She and husband Steve have opened their home to us. They live in the lovely little town of Sierra Madre. The town lies just northeast of Pasadena, tucked into the foothills. The small downtown has several salons, a local grocery, a tea room, and a corner cafe that is a mecca for mountain bikers. The architecture is a mix of frame built craftsmen homes as well as southwestern style. Gardens, hedges and boulevards are blooming profuse with roses, magnolia, palm, giant spruce.

The town also served as the location for filming the town scenes of one of my favorite horror films, Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The ochre colored building above was used to film the town square. This weekend, the town has been decked for July 4th celebrations.

After a quick introduction to the resident kitties I was off to explore the neighborhood and found a yard sale done up right. What does my little eye spy? A trio of black faux bois trays.

Their collection mixes antique Japanese chests and art in a mid century cape cod.
The pine board paneling on the fireplace wall is over 18" wide. Their space is warm and inviting and we are lucky to have such warm hosts!